John Yates is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Storyguide Mental Health, where he integrates psychiatry, existential psychotherapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).

With more than 20 years of experience in emergency and critical care medicine before transitioning into psychiatry, John brings a grounded, compassionate understanding of human suffering, resilience, and the search for meaning.

Rooted in existential psychotherapy and the work of Viktor Frankl and Irvin Yalom, his approach explores the fundamental human experiences of identity, freedom, uncertainty, connection, and purpose. He is also formally trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

John approaches KAP as an opportunity to move beyond familiar patterns, deepen self-awareness, and explore new possibilities for healing. He emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, thoughtful preparation, and meaningful integration of psychedelic experiences into everyday life.

At the heart of his work is a simple belief: You are more than your diagnosis, and your story is still being written.